Modulatory Effects of Lagenaria Siceraria Leaf Powder Supplementation on Growth Performance, Antioxidant Defence, Gene Expression, Histology, and Enzyme Activity in Ossimi Lambs ( Ovis Aries )

Abstract

The present study was designed to evaluate the impact of graded levels of L. siceraria leaf powder (0.0%, 0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.6%) in the diet on growth traits, immune response, oxidative status, gene expression, and tissue histology of male Ossimi lambs. Twenty-four intact male lambs (10-12 months; 32.60 ± 1.5 kg) were allotted randomly to four experimental groups (n = 6) and received the particular diets for 90 days. Blood was collected for evaluation of haematologic indices, immune responses, antioxidant enzyme activities, and liver function markers. At the end of the trial, histopathological examination and digestive enzyme activity testing were performed on intestinal tissues. The findings indicated a marked enhancement in growth performance, immune response, and antioxidant defence in the LS groups. In addition, the corresponding mRNAs of growth- and immunity-related genes (GH, IGF-1, GHR, TLR-7, IL-6, and IL-1β) were significantly upregulated. Morphometric examination of the intestine showed increased villus height, villus height/crypt depth ratio, and goblet cell number, specifically, at the 0.6% supplementation level. Histopathology showed normal liver architecture alongside enhanced intestinal barrier function and splenic immune activity. Furthermore, the reduction in liver enzymes implies potential hepatoprotective activity. Overall, supplementing the diet with 0.6% LS leaf powder represents a novel, effective, and safe approach to enhancing the health and productive performance of Ossimi lambs.